KMFRI, FAO hold workshop on Weight of Evidence Framework in Mombasa  

KENYA – The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) recently collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to host a training workshop on the Weight of Evidence Framework (WoEF) in Mombasa. 

Held from November 11 to 15, 2024, the workshop brought together fisheries experts and practitioners from across Africa and beyond to strengthen their capacity in evidence-based fisheries management.  

The Weight of Evidence Framework is a critical tool for assessing the credibility of evidence by integrating diverse data sources, including statistics, ecology, social sciences, and economics. 

Widely used in scientific and regulatory decision-making, WoEF provides a practical method for addressing challenges in fisheries systems, especially in regions with limited resources or data.  

KMFRI, a state corporation mandated to conduct research in marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, and ecosystems, spearheaded the initiative as part of its commitment to advancing sustainable Blue Economy practices. 

The training introduced participants to WoEF’s theoretical foundations, its real-world applications, and strategies for addressing pressing fisheries management challenges such as stock depletion and ecosystem sustainability.  

A distinguished team of experts, including KMFRI’s Dr. Gladys Okemwa, Dr. Esther Fondo, and Ms. Mary Ontomwa, led the workshop. 

International instructors included FAO’s Senior Fishery Resources Officer and professors Pedro Borros and Pedro Sousa, who provided participants with hands-on training using controlled examples simulating various fisheries scenarios.  

The event attracted fisheries researchers and policymakers from Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Mozambique, Ghana, Benin, and the Maldives. 

Five experts from the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) represented Tanzania, for example, whose participation aimed to bolster national fisheries resource assessment capabilities.  

Participants gained valuable insights into analysing complex datasets and applying participatory methods to generate practical management advice. 

Such skills are critical for addressing the challenges facing developing countries, where data, funding, and expertise are often limited.  

The training also emphasised long-term capacity building, with plans for follow-up sessions to further enable participants to apply WoEF to their specific fisheries systems. 

These efforts aim to ensure the framework’s implementation produces immediate and tangible results in sustainable fisheries management.  

By organising this workshop, KMFRI and FAO demonstrated their shared commitment to enhancing fisheries management across the region, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainable practices in the global Blue Economy. 

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